Nigerian Youths Encouraged To Rise Above Their Environment

Nigerian Youths have been urged not to
allow their immediate environment to limit them from exploring their potentialities.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Seun Fakorede gave the advice in Lagos in a keynote address during the graduation of the  2021 cohort of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative, CYFI, at the US Consulate in Victoria Island.

Mr Fakorede who was appointed a Commissioner at the age of twenty-seven and recently clocked thirty, urged the Carrington Fellows and other Nigerian youths to see the World as their playing field.

He said “Whatever we do, let’s us ensure that we place it side by side with what is obtainable outside of our nation, outside of our continent, because the competition is global, Value in Nigeria will definitely be value anywhere else if truly it is value. Don’t let our environment limit us, challenge yourself, go the extra mile, do more.”

“The truth is; the paradigm has shifted and you have to be able to recognize it, if not, you are going to end up playing catch up”.

The graduands, Seventeen young Nigerians who were selected through a very competitive process, had, during the twelve-month long fellowship, designed and implemented five community projects that have directly reached over 300 beneficiaries across five communities in Lagos State. 

Their projects were focused on promoting civic engagement, economic empowerment, education, health care delivery and environmental conservation.
In a goodwill message, a member of the CYFI board of trustees, Dr. Arese Carrington advised the Fellows not to be enticed by corruption, but instead to continue to be of service to humanity.

“Your class is the first graduating class since the passing of Ambassador Carrington. As you now continue in your chosen careers, do not be enticed by corruption instead be of service to humanity. You will be part of a growing critical mass of a new generation of Nigerians devoted to promoting social justice. The values you have gained through this fellowship are what are required for democracy, good governance, human rights, peace and security.

Never stop dreaming or daring to effect the needed change because you are the hope for the future of the country and the world. If you dare, your dreams are realized eventually”. She encouraged.
Earlier, the US Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Stephen Ibelli, who said CYFI Fellows are now one hundred and seventy four, stated that the Fellowship further affirms the US government’s commitment to the development of Nigeria

Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the Fellows, while a number of them also got awarded for outstanding performance.

Inspired by Ambassador Walter Carrington, US Ambassador to Nigeria from 1993- 1997 who was a champion of civil liberties, democracy, and closer ties between the U.S. and Nigeria, the CYFI which was launched in 2011 by the Consulate General, Lagos, brings together Nigerian youths of exceptional vision, skills, and experience to design and implement projects that will have a positive impact on the society.

Application for the next Cohort opens on the 3rd of June 2022.

By Omolara Omosanya.